“Spikes in road stop vehicle, driver robbed, shot and killed, De Wildt”- https://southafricatoday.net/south-africa-news/north-west/spikes-in-road-stop-vehicle-driver-robbed-shot-and-killed-de-wildt/

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena has condemned in the strongest possible terms the alleged execution style murder of a 58-year-old Sello Kgasi by heartless criminals in De Wildt area in the policing precinct of Mmakau.

The incident occurred on Friday, 2 April 2021 at about 00:55. It is alleged that Kgasi was driving from Rosslyn towards Brits in a white Toyota Quantum minibus on the R566 road between Mmakau and Brits and accompanied by two female passengers.

The vehicle got puncture after it drove over spikes that were spread in the road near Solar Panels camp. Kgasi allegedly stopped the vehicle to fix the puncture, but was ambushed and shot by two suspects who were armed with firearms.

As a result, Kgasi was fatally wounded and the suspects robbed him of his personal pistol and other belongings. Furthermore, the suspects also robbed the two passengers an undisclosed amount of cash and their cellular phones. According to the reports, the suspects who are still at large, were communicating in Shona.

The Provincial Commissioner has since mobilised the 72-hour Activation Plan which include the deployment of various units to trace and apprehend the suspects. “The public, especially motorists are warned to be very vigilant when approaching that area at night as it is becoming a crime hotspot. We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that alleged perpetrators are brought to book,” concluded Lieutenant General Kwena.

“36 Farm attacks, 5 farm murders in South Africa, March 2021”- https://southafricatoday.net/south-africa-news/36-farm-attacks-5-farm-murders-in-south-africa-march-2021/

During the month of March 2021, there were thirty six farm attacks and five farm murders in South Africa. Two farm attacks were successfully averted during this period.

During the month of February 2021, there were seventeen farm attacks and three farm murders in the country and one farm attack was successfully averted.

During January 2021 there were twenty one farm attacks and three attacks were successfully averted.

During December 2020, there were thirty three farm attacks and ten farm murders in the country.

For the period 1 January to 31 December 2020, on average, a farmer in South Africa was murdered every 4.7 days. There were 77 farm murders and 446 farm attacks, that is an attack every 1.2 days, in the country.

Black leaders who regularly call for the killing of farmers need to be made accountable.

“South Africa suspends rollout of Johnson & Johnson Covid vaccine”- https://businesstech.co.za/news/trending/482897/south-africa-suspends-rollout-of-johnson-johnson-covid-vaccine/

Health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has announced the voluntary suspension of the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine rollout in South Africa.

In a media briefing on Tuesday evening (13 April), Mkhize said that the decision was taken following the Food and Drug Administration’s recommendation to temporarily pause the J&J vaccine programme in the USA.

In taking the decision, Mkhize said that the FDA recommendation ‘should not be taken lightly’.

“Based on their advice, we have determined to voluntarily suspend our rollout until the causal relationship between the development of clots and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is sufficiently interrogated,” he said.

“It’s important to be aware that with any vaccine it is essential to closely monitor its safety and efficacy. If a problem is reported following a vaccination, a thorough investigation should take place,” he said.

Mkhize that the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority will collate all the information on the vaccine’s use in order to do a thorough assessment.

South Africa is using the J&J vaccine as part of its Sisonke trial rollout which is targeting healthcare workers. Mkhize said he was hopeful that the temporary suspension would not impact the country’s long-term vaccine plans.

A type of brain blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was seen with low levels of blood platelets in the women, who were all between the ages of 18 and 48, the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday in a joint statement.

“We are recommending a pause in the use of this vaccine out of an abundance of caution,” the CDC and the FDA said in the statement.

“This is important, in part, to ensure that the health care provider community is aware of the potential for these adverse events and can plan for proper recognition and management due to the unique treatment required with this type of blood clot.”

More than 6.8 million doses of the J&J vaccine have been administered in the US through Monday, the agencies said.

The recommended pause may also further complicate the global vaccination push, coming just weeks after a vaccine relying on a similar approach and developed by AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford raised similar concerns in Europe.

Clotting fears have prompted many countries to impose age restrictions on use of the Astra vaccine, which was co-developed with the University of Oxford.

Johnson & Johnson has also said it will also delay the rollout of its Covid-19 vaccine in Europe. The company said it is reviewing the cases of blood clotting with European health authorities in a statement on Tuesday.

“‘Some judges are captured by politicians’ – EFF’s Floyd Shivambu”- https://youtu.be/OVmKpg43HEg

“EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu opened a criminal case of corruption against Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan at the Hillbrow police station on 14 April 2021. This comes after Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng alleged that Gordhan attempted to influence the appointment of one of his friends as a judge.”

“EFF to ask SAPS, public protector to probe Gordhan over Mogoeng’s claims” - https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/eff-to-ask-saps-public-protector-to-probe-gordhan-over-mogoengs-claims-abebf160-7910-468a-9059-e512e467111e

Johannesburg: The EFF says it will open a corruption case against Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan after he allegedly questioned Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng on his friend's performance for a Constitutional Court position.

Mogoeng revealed during the Judicial Service Commission's (JSC) interview session on Tuesday that Gordhan had approached him for a meeting a few years ago to discuss matters "he could not recall".

The chief justice said, in passing, Gordhan asked him how his friend, KwaZulu-Natal High Court judge Dhaya Pillay, had done in the interview for a position at the Constitutional Court.

Justice Mogoeng mentioned this to Judge Pillay during her second attempt at securing a Constitutional Court position at the JSC's latest interview process.

He said Gordhan’s question puzzled him.

Justice Mogoeng did not mention whether he had reported the incident following Gordhan's query, although he said he had been worried about it for all those years.

"He (Gordhan) came, I do not have a clear recollection of what the purpose of the meeting was, but what stuck to my mind and left me puzzled was the following: he asked me how did my friend Dhaya Pillay perform?" Justice Mogoeng recalled.

"Why did the honourable minister make an effort to meet me? We are not friends. Why did he seek an audience with me?"

Judge Pillay had confirmed that she was friends with Gordhan, as they were both activists during apartheid. She said the friendship has drifted over the years.

The judge pushed back on accusations by EFF leader Julius Malema who accused her of being part of "Gordhan's faction". Malema provided no evidence to back his accusations.

The EFF said it would open a criminal case against Gordhan on Wednesday. The party also plans to approach the public protector to probe Gordhan over claims he tried to influence Justice Mogoeng.

>>13424735

“‘Some judges are captured by politicians’ – EFF’s Floyd Shivambu”- https://youtu.be/OVmKpg43HEg

Video is embedded

“Ethiopia in the headlines largely because of the conflict in Tigray”- https://youtu.be/1o1YaX1uLP4

“For months now Ethiopia has been in the headlines largely because of the conflict in Tigray to the north of the country. In trying to understand the roots of the conflict it is suggested that some of the country's tensions lie in part due to the many ethnic groups and nations that are brought together under one national flag. To explain the complexities of ethnicity in Ethiopia is Melbourne-based Oromo Law Scholar DR Tsegaye R Ararssa.”

“ANC wants taxpayers to fund vaccine compensation claims” and shooting footage of Lindani Myeni- https://youtu.be/LrhGE-UEwMs

Sources;

“SA’s vexing problem of liability for potential vaccine side-effects” at https://www.medicalbrief.co.za/archives/sas-vexing-problem-of-liability-for-potential-vaccine-side-effects/

“Unredacted Pfizer contract with Dominican Republic, shows broad indemnity provisions for COVID-19 vaccine sales” at https://www.keionline.org/35485

“HAWAII POLICE DENY WRONGDOING, SAYING COPS WHO SHOT LINDANI MYENI WERE ‘BRAVE’” at https://ewn.co.za/2021/04/18/hawaii-police-deny-wrongdoing-saying-cops-who-shot-lindani-myeni-were-brave

“Pfizer backs down over ‘unreasonable’ terms in South Africa vaccine deal” – Part 1- https://mg.co.za/coronavirus-essentials/2021-04-19-pfizer-backs-down-over-unreasonable-terms-in-south-africa-vaccine-deal/

Pfizer has backed down over its controversial demand that the South African government put up sovereign assets guaranteeing an indemnity against the cost of any future legal cases, the Bureau of Investigative Journalism can reveal.

During Covid-19 vaccine negotiations, the company sought indemnity against civil claims from citizens who had experienced adverse vaccine effects — meaning that the government would have to cover the costs instead.

On Wednesday, South African Health Minister Zweli Mkhize, voiced frustrations about “difficult and sometimes unreasonable” terms his country’s government had been presented with during contract negotiations with vaccine manufacturers, including Pfizer.

In a briefing letter sent ahead of his appearance at the parliamentary health committee, Mkhize said one condition in particular demanded by Pfizer was “too risky” — that the country put up sovereign assets as potential collateral.

Internationally Pfizer wanted indemnity

In its negotiations to provide vaccines to countries worldwide, Pfizer has asked governments for wide-ranging indemnity protection against any civil claims a citizen might file.

This means that if Pfizer were to be sued by someone who had suffered a rare adverse effect from the vaccine, then the government, not the company, would have to pay for legal costs and compensation. This would apply even if the case were brought due to the company’s own acts of negligence, fraud or malice.

In other negotiations, Pfizer went further. The company required some Latin American governments to put up sovereign assets, including federal bank reserves, embassy buildings or military bases — as a guarantee against indemnifying the cost of future legal cases. This was reported by the Bureau in February and picked up by more than 25 media organisations worldwide.

Pfizer told the Bureau: “Pfizer and BioNTech have no intention of interfering with any country’s diplomatic, military, or culturally significant assets.”

Unredacted draft contracts between Pfizer and the Dominican Republic, Albania and Peru show that the company sought to be indemnified against problems at any step of the supply chain — including packaging, manufacturing and storage. Experts told the Bureau it was “unreasonable” to require governments to pick up the bill for any negligence by Pfizer.

In South Africa’s case, Mkhize said the clauses “posed a potential risk to our assets and fiscus [public purse]”. He described how Pfizer’s late demand caused delays in the discussions, which in turn put back the anticipated vaccine-delivery dates.

Mkhize wrote that the government was “relieved” when Pfizer eventually conceded and removed the “problematic term”. He added: “As the government, we found ourselves in a precarious position of having to choose between saving our citizens’ lives and risking putting the country’s assets into private companies’ hands.”

“Pfizer backs down over ‘unreasonable’ terms in South Africa vaccine deal” – Part 2- https://mg.co.za/coronavirus-essentials/2021-04-19-pfizer-backs-down-over-unreasonable-terms-in-south-africa-vaccine-deal/

A level playing field

Experts have raised concerns that Pfizer and some other big pharma companies have demanded complete confidentiality during the recent vaccine negotiations, which would prevent the public from knowing about issues including indemnity protection and price. In South Africa, there are fears that any such secrecy clauses could undo public trust built up by years of anti-corruption work.

“I think it is important that this [sovereign assets] clause has been taken out,” said Georg Neumann of the not-for-profit organisation Open Contracting Partnership.

“When contracts are negotiated in secret, companies have the power to dictate the terms. And I think what we’re seeing here is that transparency — when contracts with other countries have been made public — has improved that balance and created a bit more of a level playing field.”

A contract for 30-million doses of Pfizer vaccine has now been signed at $10 a dose. Nearly two million doses are scheduled to arrive in South Africa in May and 2.5-million in June. The government has made down payments in its deals with Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, which are not refundable under any circumstance.

“This is another onerous term that we had to concede as manufacturers were not prepared for it to be removed,” Mkhize wrote.

Yousuf Vawda, a professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s law school, said: “While Pfizer appears to have dropped its demand on sovereign assets, it has still insisted on the indemnity and no-fault compensation commitments … Such conduct must be condemned in the strongest terms, as they are holding governments to ransom and delaying the rollout of vaccination.”

More talk as Covid-19 tally rises

Pfizer told the Bureau: “Pfizer and BioNTech seek the same kind of indemnity and liability protections they have in the US in all of the countries that have asked to purchase our vaccine, consistent with the applicable local laws.

“In markets that do not have the legal or legislative protections that are available in the US, we work with governments to find mutually agreeable solutions, including contractual indemnity clauses.”

The delayed Pfizer deal arrives as South Africa is facing a third wave of Covid-19. In total, the country has recorded nearly 1.6-million cases and more than 53 000 deaths.

Its response has been complicated because current vaccines appear to be less effective against the dominant variant circulating in the country. Less than a quarter of the country’s 1.2-million frontline health workers have been vaccinated, using doses donated by Johnson & Johnson. However, its roll-out has been suspended to investigate a potential link to blood clots. South Africa decided to sell or donate 1.5-million doses of the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine when a small study suggested the jab might not adequately prevent mild or moderate illnesses in patients with the country’s dominant variant.

>>13469631 - The below article appeared a day after this post.

“White Spiritual Boy scam and Tokyo Sexwale | ‘Documents’ claim theft of more than R100 trillion”dated Apr 21, 2021, at https://www.businessinsider.co.za/white-spiritual-boy-claims-linked-to-tokyo-sexwale-amount-to-more-than-r100-trillion-2021-4

Suspect "documents" widely circulated on Tuesday suggest that someone has misappropriated more than R110 trillion – the equivalent of more than 50 years of government spending – in South Africa, most of it in gold.

That literally unbelievable wealth seems to be at the heart of allegations made by magnate and one-time presidential hopeful Tokyo Sexwale that money intended to fund free education, and give handouts to the poor, had been stolen.

The documents, with references to the "White Spiritual Boy Trust", were posted to large WhatsApp groups, and eventually on public forums – including by the "AdvoBarryRoux" Twitter account, which has 1.3 million followers.

The SA Reserve Bank and National Treasury on Monday linked Sexwale's claims to White Spiritual Boy Trust, in a joint statement seeking to refute his claims on national television.

Third parties characterised the document as proof of what Sexwale said, though there is no direct link other than the name of the trust, and Sexwale has not expanded on his allegations.

One letter lays claim to amounts that include $1.1 trillion, the equivalent of some R16 trillion, supposedly on deposit with First National Bank. That is a sum 54 times larger than the market value of the bank's parent company. It is also roughly the value of every company listed on the JSE.

But most of the wealth would be in the form of "100,000 metric tons" of gold supposedly on deposit with the Reserve Bank since 1966, though not necessarily in physical form. At current prices that has a theoretical value of more than R80 trillion, but could be tough to sell without collapsing the world gold market, representing about half the gold ever mined, or just about the weight of all gold jewellery ever made.

How exactly such a gigantic stash of gold was accumulated is not clear. Nor is it clear how trillions of dollars could have been deposited into banks that did not exist at the claimed time of deposits, or how the funds have been kept secret for more than 50 years.

Who controls the supposed stash is slightly more clear, thanks to references to one Sam Saimoen B Muri, or Sansalmon Bin Muri, who seemingly instructed that money be transferred to a vehicle with his initials, the SBM Private Equity Fund.

SBM is a real company, registered in 2018, but it was unable to immediately shed any light on the events to which Sexwale referred. Of its four current and former directors, one said he would not speak to journalists because there are no ethical journalists, and one said only he was in a meeting and had no comment. The remaining two, a husband and wife, said they were bound by non-disclosure agreements and would need permission to answer written questions.

>>13469631

>>13487846

Then today

“ANC veteran Tokyo Sexwale briefs media” concerning White Spiritual Boy (WSB) Heritage Fund- https://youtu.be/MMT731gVq3Y

“ANC veteran and businessman Tokyo Sexwale is set to brief the media in the next hour, following his revelations on Sunday. Sexwale told eNCA's Power To Truth anchor JJ Tabane that billions set aside to help students were looted.”

Disclaimer until 15:00 and then he spills the beans. It is worth listening in full.

Read the following from a document he sent to at least the [South African] President;

1:19:00 – “The WSB Heritage Funds [?] and BIS [?] assets which left South Africa have all been traced and are being tracked. Number 2, various countries where the funds went, the banks, the amounts, the account numbers, the names of involved persons in South Africa and accomplices abroad are very well known… The treasury, South African Reserve Bank and SARS ought to be alerted as the laundering of some of these funds back to South Africa is underway dressed as in investor finance… Thus far these funds are coming from Canada, Germany, Switzerland and others stored in other places like Dubai.”

1:20:01 – “We do have the proof.”

1:20:08 – “Some of these examples of banks involved are HSBC, Deutsche, commercial banks locally are implicated. The President’s name is mentioned in these transactions… No response [from the President]”

1:49:01 - Fanie Fondse stood up and confirmed that the account exists, money exists and a criminal case has been opened.

Did he say “Red Sea” at 2:01:56? (Watch the water?)

[?] = I believe he was stating this as it was not clear to me.

>>13415808

“Rabie Ridge chaos | People occupy government-owned land”dated Apr 23, 2021, at https://youtu.be/oqXTNPT4tgA

eNCA's Aviwe Mtila reports.

>>13439261

>>13439274

“Sibanye mine | Tensions result in shootout” at Marikana againdated Apr 22, 2021, at https://youtu.be/ZwTxQB5RL7Y

“eNCA's Aviwe Mtila reports from Marikana.”

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/marikana-what-did-cyril-ramaphosa-do/ dated 16-08-2018 will give some background for those who do not know.

>>13448576

>>13481104

“ANC Youth League | Calls for justice” at US Embassy concerning Lindani’s death- https://youtu.be/-5H1Yq1UME8

“The ANC Youth League is demanding justice for demanding justice for Lindani Myeni. They're outside the the US Embassy in Pretoria picketing. The former rugby player was shot dead by police in Hawaii after they responded to an alleged burglary.”

2:05 - Notice the “Black Lives Matter” poster with the ANC logo in the background.

6:05 – “The memorandum, I’ve been told is going to be emailed to the embassy. They will be given seven days to respond and if they don’t respond in seven days, the ANC Youth League has promised to come back here and they say if they need to jump the walls of the embassy to get their attention, they’ll certainly do so. They’ve promised to actually invade the embassy if they don’t get answers as soon as possible or should I say as soon as seven days.”

“RIP Queen Mantfombi Dlamini Zulu | Questions as to who will run affairs of AmaZulu royal household” - https://youtu.be/c3qXJZnmPWs. She may have been poisoned (listen from 2:04).

“‘What a disgrace’: Buthelezi slams succession battle in Zulu Royal Family”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/buthelezi-slams-zulu-succession-battle-madlamini-court-challenge-king-goodwill-wives/

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi confirmed that Ingonyama Trust Board chairperson, three wives and royal family members have received summons.

Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi has slammed King Goodwill Zwelithini’s wives for dragging each other to court for who will succeed the late king instead of mourning his passing.

Queen Sibongile Dlamini (MaDlamini), the first wife who married the late King Goodwill Zwelithini in a civil rites marriage is challenging the king’s marriage to his other wives and her two daughters are challenging their father’s will citing forgery of his signature.

BUTHELEZI DISGRACED BY SUCCESSION BATTLE HEADING TO COURT

In his capacity as Traditional Prime Minister for the Zulu Nation, Prince Mangosuthu said that Queen Sibongile Dlamini’s decision to head to court is a shameful act which disgraces not only the Zulu Royal Family but the whole nation.

“Most of the members of the royal family are actually shocked by what she has done because she was still mourning. They, as the widows of the King in particular, and for them to rush to court in the manner they have done has actually disgraced the royal family.

We think that it will stand out in history as one shameful thing that was done by a Queen during the mourning period of her husband. I think it is a shameful thing which shames not only her but all of us members of the Zulu nation,” Buthelezi said.

In an interview with the SABC, Buthelezi confirmed that three of King Goodwill’s wives have received the summons from Queen MaDlamini as well as the princes and princesses, members of the royal family and the Chairperson of the Ingonyama Trust Board.

ZULU ROYAL FAMILY LATEST

Speaking on Monday, 3 May 2021, Princess Thembi slammed Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, accusing him of being a dictator.

“We want to meet with the Prince (Buthelezi) and tell him that he cannot throw us out of our own home because exactly what he is doing is expelling us from our own home and occupy it himself,” she said.

She further added that Buthelezi was not a legitimate prime minister of the monarchy.

“His time (as Zulu traditional prime minister) ended long ago. The reason why he is still in that position is because we respect him. We are told that he is the (traditional) prime minister of King Bhusha (King Cyprian Bhekuzulu, the father of King Goodwill Zwelithini), the King (Goodwill Zwelithini) never had a prime minister and the next one will appoint his own prime minister.”

“Arms deal impasse | Civil society wants the JSC to act on Arms Deal Commission chair”- https://youtu.be/MCOhMwmO2Ow

“Open Secrets and Shadow World Investigations have written to the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) demanding a response about a complaint they filed in August 2020 asking the JSC to look into the conduct of Judge Willie Seriti and Judge Hendrick Musi regarding the Arms Deal Inquiry. The two organizations last year wrote to the JSC following a decision by the North Gauteng High Court in 2019 to set aside the 2016 findings of the inquiry into the Arms Deal which was led by Judge Willie Seriti. The Court set aside the findings of the Arms Procurement Commission of Inquiry for failing to admit, interrogate and pursue evidence related to corruption allegations in 1999 arms deal. Hennie van Vuuren, the Director of Open Secrets joins us.”

“SA told to ‘shutdown its Israel Embassy’ – as clashes with Palestinians continue”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/world-news/why-israel-fight-palestine-what-cause-clashes-south-africa-embassy/

As running battles between Israeli forces and Palestinian citizens continue on Monday, the situation could have some serious repercussions in South Africa

The EFF has made a frank and bellicose statement about the latest set of clashes between security forces in Israel and Palestinian citizens. The political party says that the ANC has taken a ‘weak position’ on the matter, with the Red Berets seeking a meeting with the Palestinian Embassy on Monday. However, the left-wingers want to kick things up a notch.

EFF DEMAND EMBASSY CLOSURE OVER JERUSALEM CLASHES

Earlier today, party representatives demanded the complete closure of Israel’s Embassy in South Africa. They are also lobbying for the removal of Mzansi’s Ambassador inside Israel, requesting for the delegation to return home.

“The Zionist state of Israel is contemptuous of the Holy Ramadan fasting period to engage in international and abhorrent criminal conduct. We call on the South African government to close down the Embassy of Israel – and recall our own representation from Tel Aviv. The statements issued by our party are irritating – this is a time for decisive action.” | EFF

“EMS [Emergency Medical Services] attacks: One crew member shot, another on crutches, says MEC”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/emergency-medical-services-ems-personnel-attacked-in-gauteng-nomathemba-mokgethi-10-may-2021/

Gauteng Health MEC is calling for communities to help put an end to the attacks on EMS personnel. Two incidents have already taken place this month.

An Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crew member was struck by a bullet in the Dukathole informal settlement in Germiston on Friday, 7 May. In the wake of the latest in a series of attacks, Gauteng Health MEC, Dr Nomathemba Mokgethi, called on the public to help put an end to the abuse suffered by personnel.

EMS ATTACKS ARE JEAPORDISING SOCIETY

Two EMS crew members responded to a gunshot incident at Dukathole on Friday night and one was hit by a bullet at the scene. Both members were admitted to a nearby hospital in a stable condition. As of Sunday, 9 May, one member was still hospitalised whole the other will be going for counselling.

The attack slowed down the EMS response time and the resident who was wounded in the shooting incident succumbed to their injuries on the way to the hospital.

“Unless communities work together with law enforcement agencies to put an end to the attacks on EMS personnel and the vandalism of their equipment people needing emergency medical care might find themselves without assistance as workers will be reluctant to respond to calls,” said Mokgethi.

Mokgethi said earlier in May, a woman EMS worker was left needing crutches after being attacked at gunpoint while on duty and, in a separate incident, community members in Magalies attacked a shift leader and her crew while they were responding to a distress call.

The MEC said an attack on EMS personnel should be seen as an attack on society itself and condemne the attacks. “We therefore condemn in the strongest possible terms the continued attacks on the Green Angels,” said Mokgethi.

“The last thing we want is for EMS workers to start fearing for their lives instead of being concerned about saving as many lives as possible.”

The provincial department of health is encouraging community members to come forward if they have any information relating to the attack incidents by contacting the following emergency numbers: 112 or 10177 or the police at 10111.

EMERGENCY WORKER KILLED EXECUTION STYLE

In an unrelated incident in the Free State in April, the South African Police Service (SAPS) found the body of a 48-year-old man, who was later identified as an EMS member, lying on the R76 Lindley road.

Upon arrival at the scene, on 15 April at 13:15, police found an EMS response vehicle – a white Subaru Forester – on the side of the road with the headlights on. The man’s body was found behind the vehicle with five bullet wounds to the back of his head. He was not in uniform and the keys were still in the ignition.

“The motive behind the killing is not yet known and no arrest has been made. A case of murder has been registered for further investigation,” said Colonel Thandi Mbambo.

“Four suspects in court for allegedly beating man to death with a shovel”- https://youtu.be/3otuIkqcf7w

“To Mpumalanga now where four suspects who allegedly assaulted a man to death last week are expected to appear at the Kabokweni Magistrate's Court. The man was allegedly beaten with a shovel while naked. The deceased was allegedly accused of stealing a pot containing meat from a nearby house.”

3:51 – “He’s just explained to us to our viewers that do not understand… This gentleman apparently was hired by this lady who’s also… the first accused in this matter to actually deliver bricks at her house and then the lady apparently did not pay this gentleman. This gentleman decided to take that pot but he’s saying that the pot had no meat inside so it didn’t have like food inside so he decided to take the pot and saying that once he’s paid the money that he is due to him, he would return the pot but then the lady decided that they go to his house. They picked up this gentleman… and then they took him… to her house… They started stripping him naked and then that’s when they started hitting him with a spade.”

4:58 – “The community out here, they’re saying that they want justice to play its role here. They are saying that all they want is that… these people not be granted bail because the community is very angry and the community have been saying that if this lady is granted bail, they are going to burn down her house.”

“‘How bad must he screw-up to get fired?’ – Cele slammed for DNA backlog”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/what-is-dna-backlog-bheki-cele-calls-fired/

If you're looking for minced words, you've come to the wrong place. The tide of anger directed towards Bheki Cele is rising, due to a giant 'DNA backlog'.

There are calls for Bheki Cele’s head this week, after the Police Minister was held directly responsible for a disastrous DNA backlog. The processing delay in collections has allegedly increased by 3 000% since 2018, making it more difficult for police to tie dangerous criminals to reprehensible acts. Needless to say, the critics are sharpening their knives…

WHAT IS THE DNA BACKLOG?

SA’s DNA backlog in case exhibits at the National Forensic Science Laboratories (NFSL) now stands at more than 200 000. Both Bheki Cele and National Police Commissioner General Khehla Sitole have been asked to investigate partnerships with private laboratories in order to resolve this issue. Alas, there’s been little movement on this front.

Andrew Whitfield, the shadow police minister, tore strips off his opposite number in Parliament this week.

“Since Minister Cele has been the Minister of Police from February 2018 he has presided over an explosion in the backlog of DNA case exhibits from just over 7000 in 2017/18 to over 225 000 this year – nearly a quarter of a million. That is a more than 3 000% increase in the backlog under his watch. It has never been this bad before.” | Andrew Whitfield

CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS ASK FOR BHEKI CELE ‘TO BE FIRED’

However, SAPS National Spokesperson Vishnu Naidoo recently said in a statement that new administration systems and updated databases went live on the 6th of April 2021, with 10 million samples from the old NFSL system loaded into the Forensic Exhibit Management (FEM) System. Nearly 25 000 new exhibits have also been loaded.

But this purported progress hasn’t been enough to placate one of South Africa’s largest farming institutions. TLUSA, who have been rallying against the rise in rural crimes during Bheki Cele’s ministerial tenure, let the hatted politician know exactly what they think of the job he’s been doing. It wasn’t complimentary, put it that way…

“How badly must a minister screw up in their position to get fired? How many stolen firearms or service pistols must end up in the hands of criminals before Bheki Cele gets the boot? How many farmers, families, and farmworkers must live in fear of another attack because the police cannot process DNA evidence? The situation is unacceptable.”

“We are doing an urgent call on President Ramaphosa to fire Minister Cele immediately. Cele should never have been appointed as the minister of police – he was fired as the commissioner of police in 2013 because of corruption. How on earth did that not disqualify him as a candidate in any position to do with law and order?”

“Hawks arrest two high-ranking police officers for alleged human trafficking”- https://youtu.be/xvmevY43zks

“The Hawks have arrested two high ranking police officers for alleged human trafficking and defeating the ends of justice. A brigadier and a captain based in Vereeniging in the Vaal, are accused of raping a woman who had been kidnapped and taken to a brothel. The officers' identity has been concealed until they appear in court.”

“Duo arrested for contravention of Explosive and Firearms Acts”- https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/msspeechdetail.php?nid=32701

MPUMALANGA - Two suspects aged between 32 and 45 were arrested by members of the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga, on Thursday 20 May 2021.

This follows after the Hawks team acted on information about a suspect who was in possession of illegal explosives and firearms. An operation was conducted at one of the workshop/ scrapyard in Hazyview.

The team found illegal hunting rifles, 9 mm pistol, rifle barrels, handgun ammunitions, home-made silencers and improvised active home-made explosive devices during a search and seizure operation at the business premises. The collection of firearms and explosives were seized for further investigation by experts from Explosive Unit and Local Criminal Record Centre (LCRC) who were called for assistance upon uncovering the weapons.

The business owner and his employee were arrested and they will appear before the White River Magistrate Court on Friday, 21 May 2021.

“Members of legal fraternity fearing for their lives”- https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/news/members-of-legal-fraternity-fearing-for-their-lives-69f73c15-ddea-4d37-905d-833e9784a70f. Below are excerpts.

Cape Town - The Department of Justice said all safety protocols are in place to protect legal counsel while covering high-profile cases.

Members from the legal fraternity have told Weekend Argus that they are fearing for their lives, not knowing whether they would live to see their families.

On Sunday, Magistrate AC Mashala, who is presiding over the case of alleged underworld figure Nafiz Modack, was wounded in the buttocks during a shooting, at a car wash in Mfuleni.

This is not the first time that legal staff, presiding over high-profile cases, have been shot, with some even killed.

There are the murder cases of advocate Noorudien Hassan, advocate Pete Mihalik, advocate Vernon Jantjies, former Magistrate Sithemebele Elvis Tebe, and the attempted murder of advocate William Booth.

Recently, a senior police officer, Lieutenant Colonel Koliswa Vani, who was stationed at Delft Police Station was killed, and her three-year-old grandchild, and two other males, were wounded, after three armed men approached her, opened fire, and fled in a Toyota Avanza.

This week, Steve Mahlangu from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development said security for Mashala would be beefed up.

He said: “The Department can confirm this unfortunate and disturbing incident, in which Magistrate Mashala was the subject of a shooting in Mfuleni.

“It is confirmed that his injuries were not serious and the matter is receiving urgent attention from the police.

“The heightening of security around the magistrate is also currently being attended to,” said Mahlangu.

Mashala had been shot during his private time and had presided over Modack’s case for the very first time, just two days before the shooting on May 16.

Mahlangu has indicated that security detail, where high-profile cases were concerned, had intense security measures, with the assistance of the SAPS.

“In high-profile cases, the NPA (prosecutor) will alert the court manager and SAPS for additional security for that matter, in advance to the matter being heard in the court. SAPS will allocate more officials and court managers will request for additional officials to be allocated for the matter.

“Arrangements are generally made well in advance for existing matters.

“In the event that a particular official has received a threat, an assessment will be done by SAPS to allocate a permanent security to said official,” said Mahlangu.

A senior advocate, who cannot be identified, said he feared for his life while covering high-profile gang cases.

“I feel disappointed since you are only doing your work but now, each day, you need to wonder will you see your family after work again, who are still dependent on you – but one cannot allow criminals to rule our society.”

“Self defence will not be a valid reason to own a gun in SA under a newly-revived draft law”- https://www.businessinsider.co.za/self-defence-to-be-scrapped-as-a-reason-to-own-a-gun-in-south-africa-under-revived-draft-legislation-2021-5

South Africans will not be allowed to own guns for self defence under a newly-revived legislative proposal.

The Civilian Secretariat for Police Service (CSP) on Friday published a call for public comment on a 2021 draft of the Firearms Control Amendment Bill in the Government Gazette. Despite a promise in that notice, it did not publish the actual contents of the draft law on its badly outdated website – but revealed in a summary that it contains an effort to restrict gun ownership that is likely to be controversial.

The draft law seeks to "provide for the applicant for a firearm [licence] to provide a valid reason for possessing a firearm", said the CSP in its description of the Bill.

It then provides "that no firearm licenses may be issued for self-defence purposes".

The government seemingly contemplated such a move years ago, but never pulled the trigger.

A previous version of the Firearms Control Amendment was put out to public comment in 2015, and went through an extensive process of consultation that featured instances of "spirited discussion", but was ultimately shelved.

Years later a new draft leaked, in which self defence had been removed as a reason to own a gun. That draft never formally made it into the public domain, and the entire effort to update firearm legislation faded from public view.

The 2021 draft of the law contains numerous provisions to restrict firearms in private possession, many of which overlap with the 2015 effort, according to the CSPs summary.

If the law passes, there would be new limits on the amount of ammunition gun owners may hold, and on how many firearms hunters and sport shooters may possess.

The law would also provide for firearms to be seized from anyone charged with domestic violence or harassment, under a system in which their licences are suspended.

Public comments on the draft are due within 44 days, as of Saturday.

>>13730401

Well, I have noticed that some of these “experts” have helped to make South Africa so “safe”.

“Tyre spiking: 18 motorists attacked; these are the areas to avoid”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/tyre-spiking-18-motorists-attacked-these-are-the-areas-to-avoid/

Mpumalanga police said 18 tyre spiking incidents have been reported in the province since 1 April. Suspects place dangerous items in the road and attack motorists when they exit their vehicles.

The police in Mpumalanga are urging motorists in the province to vigilant while driving – especially at night – as there has been a sharp rise in the number of tyre spiking incidents over the last few weeks.

Suspects place tyre spikes, slabs or rocks – basically anything that will cause major damage when a vehicle travelling at speed collides with it – in the road and then attack when unsuspecting motorists stop their cars to inspect the damage.

24 TYRE SPIKING INCIDENTS, SAY POLICE

According to South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Brigadier Leonard Hlathi, 24 tyre spiking incidents have been reported between 1 April and 18 May 2021.

“It has been established that in most of these cases, the suspects are normally armed with firearms,” said Hlathi.

The modus operandi of suspects in most tyre spiking incidents, involves them placing objects such as tyre spikes, slabs, bricks or large rocks camouflaged with plastic to catch motorists out. When the unsuspecting motorists drive over these objects, their tyres are punctured or the vehicle sustains damage in the collision with larger objects.

“… [The motorists] are forced to stop and inspect their vehicles,” said Hlathi. “While doing so, the suspects then violently approach and rob them of valuables, such as cellphones, laptops, clothing items, cameras, firearms, jewellery as well as sums of cash amongst others.”

Most tyre spiking incidents take place late at night or during the early hours of the morning. Major General Phala, the acting provincial commissioner of Mpumalanga, urged the public to try and plan their journeys for the daytime and avoid driving at night.

“I strongly appeal that motorists should be vigilant on the road, particularly when driving in the evening or early in the morning as that is when motorists are targeted,” said Phala.

THE MOST AFFECTED AREAS ARE:

Brigadier Hlathi urged motorists to be on the lookout for tyre spike in all areas of Mpumalanga “as criminals are eager to carry out this bad deed on a daily basis.” The following areas, however, were highlighted as particularly dangerous by police.

 Middelburg on the N4 National Road

 Bethal, Kendall, Phola/Ogies on the N12 near the Arbor off-ramp

 Delmas, also on the N12

 Bronkorstspruit, heading towards Witbank, on the N4

 Witbank on Dellville Street, in the CBD

 Vereena Road, R555 Old Ogies Road

 The Calcutta area

 The R40 near the Marmite area

 Belfast on the N4, next to Wonderfonein

 Acornhoek in the Matsikitsane area

“Firearms Control Latest: ‘No constitutional right for gun ownership’ – Cele”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/firearms-control-bill-act-constitution-gun-ownership-rights-gun-control/. Below are excerpts.

'The Firearms Control Act…grants no such right to citizens either, owning a gun in this country remains a privilege' - Cele on gun control

In just a few days thousands of citizens have flooded the government with their comments on the Firearms Control Amendment Bill 2021, showing how strongly people feel about gun ownership and control in the country.

Police Minister Bheki Cele’s spokesperson, Lirandzu Themba, said that more than 17 000 submissions had been received since the bill was published in the Government Gazette for public comment on Friday 21 May 2021.

“Over 17 000 written submissions have been received and this number is growing by the day,” Themba said.

The Firearms Control Amendment Bill 2021 replaces the Firearms Control Amendment Bill 2015 that was submitted to Cabinet six years ago Minister of Police General, Bheki Cele encouraged all citizens to make use of the legislative process that seeks to mould the Firearms Control Bill.

“The interest and vast number of comments received so far indicates that South Africans are making their voices heard in this matter, we urge the public to continue with this momentum. All comments will be scrutinized and those considered useful will be incorporated to strengthen the provisions of the Bill,” Cele said.

The Firearms Control Amendment Bill 2021 seeks to amend and strengthen the Firearms Control Act 2000 (Act No. 60). The proposed amendments respond to the overarching policy principles of non-proliferation of firearms in South Africa and the strengthening of the processes relating to the applications for firearm and ammunition licenses and the management of firearms and ammunition.

Cele said that the amendments should not be interpreted as though government was looking into disarming citizens.

“There is no right to bear arms in our Constitution and the Firearm Control Act in its current form grants no such right to citizens either, owning a gun in this country remains a privilege made possible through the Firearms Controls Act,” Cele said.

Cele added that arming citizens would not solve the country’s high crime rate.

“The mere possession of a firearm can lead to increased rates of victimisation—both for the gun owner and those living in the household, simply put, this proposed change in law also has the potential to mean the difference between life and death for hundreds of women who are in the clutches of their abusers, inside their own homes.” Cele said.

Cabinet has also recently approved the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Amendment Bill 2021. The proposed amendments seek to ensure alignment of South African legislation with international requirements, in order to effectively combat terrorist and related activities, including international terrorism.

Both Bills can be accessed on the Civilian Secretariat for the Police’s website www.policesecretariat.gov.za and are open for public comment until the 4 July 2021.

“Buses burnt overnight in Port Elizabeth [Gqeberha] | South Africa”- https://youtu.be/0wg3foaUReI

“WATCH | Julius Malema to Pan-African Parliament member: 'I'll kill you outside’”- https://youtu.be/Gs8wiFtLylk

“A session of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) devolved into chaos on Thursday, with Julius Malema seen threatening a fellow member of the parliament. The Pan-African Parliament session was postponed as staff member tested positive for Covid-19. The postponement delayed the election of the PAP's new bureau.”

“Watch | ‘I will kill you!’ – Malema shouts death threats at Pan-African MP” - https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/africa/watch-julius-malema-i-will-kill-you-death-threats-which-mp-video/

Tempers have flared in Pan-African Parliament, and Julius Malema decided to kick things up a notch when the debate got heated…

Julius Malema’s time at the Pan African Parliamentary Meeting this week has been characterised by his bombastic outbursts, frequent points of order – and even a direct threat to kill a fellow MP in the house.

‘I WILL KILL YOU!’ – JUJU SHOCKS CONTINENTAL COLLEAGUES

The EFF leader has previously been elected to the all-African organsation, but his decision to import his behaviour from our National Assembly into a more continental setting hasn’t gone down too well. After getting into a heated argument with another politician, Malema lost his cool completely – and shouted ‘I will kill you outside’ to his adversary.

The shouting match lasts for over the minute, and Juju is eventually restrained by a colleague. Although he remains rattled, Malema does eventually go back to his seat. It’s not clear what sparked the disagreement – or how it found a way to escalate in this manner – but the threats made by the volatile 40-year-old have no place in a setting like this.

JULIUS MALEMA AT PAN-AFRICAN PARLIAMENT

Just yesterday, Julius Malema was trying to play the role of peacekeeper in the chambers. He rallied against ‘rude MPs’ who were disrupting sessions, and asked for several members to be disciplined. However, it didn’t take long for Juju to ignore his own advice – and the dust is still yet to settle from his jaw-dropping outburst.

Only in Africa!

“BREAKING: Zweli Mkhize placed on leave, replacement confirmed” – Minister of Tourism to deal with COVID”- https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/zweli-mkhize-special-leave-how-long-who-is-replacement-health-minister/

It's game, set, and almost match for Zweli Mkhize: The Health Minister has been put on leave by President Ramaphosa - who has also named his replacement.

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has officially been placed on leave by President Ramaphosa, forcing the long-serving ANC stalwart to vacate his position in Cabinet on a temporary basis. The decision came after Mkhize was implicated in a suspicious R150 million government contract with Digital Vibes.

ZWELI MKHIZE ‘PLACED ON LEAVE’

The service provider is allegedly VERY cosy with the Mkhize family, and it’s understood that the firm have offered kickbacks to both Zweli and his son. With the pressure mounting, Minister Mkhize has not tendered his resignation – and stated on Tuesday that he did not break any laws by signing off on the controversial deal.

However, a little over an hour after he addressed the media, Zweli Mkhize now finds himself stripped of his ministerial responsibilities. As we reported earlier, the 65-year-old will remain on ‘special leave’ until further notice.

REPLACEMENT HEALTH MINISTER CONFIRMED

Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane will now act as Zweli Mkhize’s replacement, assuming the role in an acting capacity. She is another politician who has divided opinions during the pandemic, but Ramaphosa sees her as a practical solution for the weeks, possibly months ahead – the mix-up may bring forward a proposed Cabinet reshuffle.

The Presidency issued an official statement on the matter just moments ago:

“President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, Tuesday 8 June 2021 placed Minister of Health Dr. Zweli Mkhize on special leave. This period of special leave will enable the Minister to attend to allegations and investigations concerning contracts between the Department of Health and a service provider, Digital Vibes.”

“The Special Investigating Unit is investigating this matter and the President awaits a report on the outcome of this probe.Minister of Tourism Ms. Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane will serve as Acting Minister of Health until further notice.”

“Malema bemoans pressure over VBS funds” - “EFF leader Julius Malema has threatened President Cyril Ramaphosa with ‘war’”- https://www.southafricanlawyer.co.za/article/2021/06/malema-bemoans-pressure-over-vbs-funds/

EFF leader Julius Malema has threatened President Cyril Ramaphosa with ‘war’ if attempts by VBS curators to reclaim funds from the EFF persist.

According to a Rapport report, Malema went off script during a press conference at the end of last week and revealed that his party is regularly receiving ‘letters’ from the NPA, the SIU and SARS about the issue.

It appears the authorities and VBS curators are attempting to hold the EFF responsible for monies received by Brian Shivambu, brother of EFF deputy leader Floyd Shivambu, from VBS.

Malema claimed that the ‘letters’ were received at times when Ramaphosa was scheduled to answer questions in Parliament.

‘It is an abuse of state power and Cyril cannot continue with that… We are not Ace Magashule. If he wants a war, he will get it.’

The Daily Maverick recently revealed that Brian Shivambu signed an acknowledgement that he received R4.55m from VBS to which he was not entitled.

Full report in Rapport (subscription needed) - [https://www.netwerk24.com/Nuus/Politiek/malema-dreig-cyril-met-oorlog-oor-vbs-20210612]

>>13900374

>Former South African intelligence agent, Andre Pienaar

André Pienaar Biography- https://www.andrepienaar.info/

André Pienaar is an entrepreneur, and Managing Partner and Founder of C5, a specialist technology investment group. Find out more about André here.

Andre is a Managing Partner and the Founder of C5, a specialist technology investment group that invests in the secure data ecosystem including cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, data analytics and space with offices in Washington, London and Luxembourg. Andre serves on the boards of several cybersecurity companies including the IronNet Cybersecurity in Maryland, USA, the Haven Group in Luxembourg, ITC Secure in London, Reduxio and Panoply in Israel, and 4iQ in California. He previously served on the Boards of Omada, Balabit and Shape Security which C5 exited successfully.

Andre Pienaar started his career at Kroll Inc in 1996 where he became the youngest managing director until the successful sale of the company to Marsh Mclennan. In 2004, Andre went on to found G3, an international consulting firm that advises global companies and international law firms on cybersecurity. In 2011, he sold G3 to Europe’s leading technology investment holding company.

Andre advised the 6th Duke of Westminster on the establishment of the new Defence and National Rehabilitation Centre (DNRC) in the United Kingdom as a state of the art centre for the rehabilitation of British military veterans.

Alongside his current role at C5, Andre Pienaar is a member of the U.S. Government’s Institute of Peace (USIP) International Advisory Council. André served on the Foreign Policy Leadership Council of the Brookings Institute and on the President’s Council of the International Crisis Group.

Andre’s charitable interests includes the National Council on White House History, a U.S. based not for profit that is the custodian of the White House, its art and history, as well as being a Director of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC), a trustee of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, a British charity focused on wildlife conservation and the Global Leadership Council of ONE.

Andre’s charitable interests includes being a Director of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (ICMEC) and a trustee of the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, a British charity focused on wildlife conservation. In 2020, André set up the Cyber Alliance to Defend Our Healthcare, a voluntary coalition of cybersecurity companies to protect the healthcare services from cyberattacks.

Andre is a lawyer and an expert on cyber law and cybercrime.

>>13900374

>“South African at centre of bid for Pentagon data cloud linked to Kremlin insider”

>>13908297 - Below is a news sample from Pienaar’s blog, https://www.andrepienaar.info/bloomberg-interview-with-ironnets-gen-ret-keith-alexander-on-colonial-pipeline-cyberattack/, of one of the companies he is involved in. I have a sense that they are offering solutions to the crisis they create.

“Gen. Alexander: Russia 'Almost for Sure' Involved in Pipeline Attack” - Pienaar connectiondated May 10, 2021, at https://youtu.be/nOK2c_BFPz4

“May.10 – General Keith Alexander, who served as the director of the National Security Agency and was the first commander of the U.S. Cyber Command, discusses the cyberattack against Colonial Pipeline Co. Alexander, founder and co-chief executive officer of IronNet Cybersecurity Inc, says the response by the U.S. government is too late and that the public and private sectors need to collaborate in the cyber space to prevent future threats. He also says he believes the Russian government "almost for sure" knows about the incident and the U.S. needs to hold it accountable. Alexander speaks to Emily Chang on "Bloomberg Technology."”

“The situation still tense in eSwatini”- https://youtu.be/WNXXk24SgGw

There are growing calls for talks to avoid further damage in eSwatini. The situation continues to be tense in the Kingdom with political unrest and citizens calling for King Mswati III to fall. That's led to the closure of borders and affecting trucks transporting goods, which will have a devastating economic impact.

“Frans Cronje destroys the myths around gun control in South Africa.”- https://youtu.be/yw9-mH8feKE

>>14030832 - Orchestrated?

“Discussion | Mining and resources giant shuts”- https://youtu.be/FqkO5YKB_JY

Multinational mining firm Rio Tinto has shut down its operations in Kwa-Zulu Natal.The company declared force majeure on customer contracts at Richards Bay Minerals because of an escalation in violence at the site. Sally Burdett speaks to Ed Stoddard from the Daily Maverick for more.

The article, “State failure: Rio declares force majeure at RBM in face of violence” can be found at https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-06-30-state-failure-rio-declares-force-majeure-at-rbm-in-face-of-violence/. Below are excerpts.

in recent years, outright criminality has also become a major threat, with the emergence of a “procurement mafia” literally gunning for a slice of the lucrative action. The rebooting Blyvoor gold mine west of Johannesburg was recently shut for several weeks in the face of intimidation after one of its directors and the leader of its in-house union was shot dead. The police also mostly failed to do their job in that case.

In this day and age, the company is hardly going to put its employees’ lives and limbs at risk from criminal attack. But that means 5,000 direct livelihoods will suffer.

All because the South African Police Service demonstrably cannot do its job.

Further up the tropical Indian Ocean coast, French oil major Total has done the same thing in the face of a violent Islamic insurgency that threatens gas projects worth tens of billions of dollars.

This is all unfolding against the backdrop of a global commodities boom which is one of the few bright spots in the South African economy. This is another stark example of how that boom is going to bust on South Africa’s shores.